Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes

a. A-frame jib

b. Flat top jib

d. Fixed luffing jib

c. Luffing jib

f. Articulated jib
e. Rear pivoted luffing jib

Fig. 2 Types of jib on tower cranes

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6.2.4 Mounting configurations

Tower cranes are also characterised according to their mounting configuration.
They are available as static bases, rail-mounted units and mobile units.
(a) Static bases (see Fig. 3) -There are three main types of static bases.
(i) In-situ base - The crane is mounted on special corner angles, frames or
an expendable tower section, cast into the concrete foundation block.
(ii) On own base - The crane is mounted on its own base section or chassis
which, without wheels and travelling gear, but with ballast, stands on a
concrete base.
(iii) Climbing base - The crane is supported by the structure which it is
being used to construct, and to which it is attached by climbing frames
and wedges. The height of the cranes can be extended as the height
of the structure increases by means of climbing supports attached to
the frames. Climbing support can be metal ladders, rods or tubes. A
climbing crane may be mounted initially on a fixed base and its support
be later transferred to climbing frames and supports.
(b) Rail-mounted units - The cranes are mounted on a chassis frame which is
supported on rail wheels. The wheels are usually double flanged. When all
wheels are removed, some tower cranes can be used as static-based cranes
(see Fig. 4).
(c) Mobile units - The mobile mounting configuration consists of truck-
mounted, wheel-mounted or crawler-mounted units.
(i) Truck-mounted tower cranes (see Fig. 5) - Tower cranes mounted on
truck or lorry chassis are available. It is essential that this type of crane
has its outriggers extended. The outriggers should be securely set up
and level on its jacks when handling loads.
(ii) Wheel-mounted tower cranes (see Fig. 6) - These are not normally self-
propelling and may be moved by towing by a suitable vehicle. They are
provided with stabilizers or outriggers and jacks which should be set (and
the wheels either removed or raised clear of the supporting surfaces)
before commencing erection or lifting operations.
(iii) Crawler-mounted tower cranes (see Fig. 7) - There are two principal
types of crawler bases used on this type of tower cranes. One is a twin-
track type which is mounted on one pair of crawler tracks. The crane
requires outriggers to be extended and jacks set when handling loads.
The other is the straddle-type which is mounted on four widely spaced
crawler tracks, each of which can be adjusted to height. Both types
of tower cranes should be set firm and level when handling their rated
safe working loads. In general, they do not have the same freedom of
mobility as for example crawler-mounted mobile cranes. Reference
should be made to the crane specification and to the manufacturer
regarding conditions under which these machines may travel in their
erected state.

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Fig. 3 Types of static base for tower cranes

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Fig. 4 Rail-mounted tower cranes

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Fig. 5 Truck-mounted tower crane

Fig. 6 Wheel-mounted tower cranes

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Fig. 7 Crawler-mounted tower cranes

6.3 Operational characteristics

6.3.1 The operating characteristics of a tower crane are largely determined by its type
of mounting, type of tower and type of jib.

6.3.2 A tower crane with a static base only occupies a limited area but is able to
cover, from its fixed position, all points at which loads are to be handled within
the maximum slewing radius. They can be set at varying heights up to their
maximum free standing height. They can also be extended beyond this limit by
tying the crane back to the supporting structure.

6.3.3 Rail-mounted tower cranes have a larger area of coverage as they can travel
along their tracks carrying their rated loads. However, the height requirement
should not exceed the free standing height as recommended by the manufacturer.
On the other hand, the crane service would be disrupted whenever work must
be done on or near the track. The advantage of mobile tower cranes lies in great
inward reach without the long jib which would normally be required to reach
over the top of the structure.

6.3.4 Generally, truck-mounted tower cranes are completely self-contained and can be
driven along roads. They are generally capable of comparatively rapid erection
and dismantling. They are however generally unable to travel in their fully
erected state and cannot handle loads while travelling.

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6.3.5 Crawler-mounted tower cranes are required to be transported on a low-loader

or towed on special road axles when travelling on public roads. Inside the
workplace, some can travel over firm, flat, level ground carrying loads up to a
specified proportion of their rated loads. They are also able to travel in a partially
erected state but without load over unprepared ground provided it is within
certain limits of level and compaction.

6.3.6 With a horizontal trolley jib, the hook is suspended from the trolley and
moves in a horizontal direction when the radius is changed. Unless a luffing
jib is equipped with a level-luffing device, the hoist motion will have to be
simultaneously operated to achieve level travel of the hook when changing
radius.

6.3.7 A horizontal trolley jib usually has a smaller minimum operating radius than the
equivalent luffing jib and is thus able to handle loads closer to the tower of the
crane. For a given height of tower, however, a greater height of lift is available
with a luffing jib, and the jib can be raised or lowered to clear obstacles. One
advantage of a fixed luff jib is that its extra height at the jib head enables it to
clear objects that would obstruct a horizontal trolley jib. The advantage of a
rear-pivoted luffing jib is that it has a smaller minimum hook radius than an
ordinary luffing jib.

6.3.8 For articulated jibs, some designs are not required to weather vane. In this case,
the crane is made to withstand storm winds with the jib drawn into minimum
radius; there is then no need for a 360° obstruction-free slewing path. One
type of this crane has a hinged jib arranged so that the outer portion remains
horizontal. As the jib is folded, the outer portion rises, giving increased height
and the ability to pass over obstructions.

6.3.9 The selection of a crane for any job should be made only after a thorough
examination of all the factors involved. In general, it is good practice to select a
machine which has a working margin in respect of the load capacity and other
anticipated requirements.

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7. Markings and Documentation

7.1 Identification

7.1.1 The crane should have a permanent durable plate bearing the manufacturer's
name, machine model, serial number, year of manufacture and weight of the unit
for identification purpose.

7.1.2 Every major structural, electrical and mechanical component of the machine
should have a permanent durable plate or a clear indication bearing the
manufacturers' name, machine model number, serial number, year of original
sale by the manufacturer and weight of the unit. Besides, identification numbers
should be clearly marked on all basic removable components and attachments
of the machine (such as counterweights etc.) to show that they belong to that
machine. It is important that these components should be used only on that
machine or identical models or equipment for which they were specifically
intended by the manufacturer.

7.2 Safe working load charts

7.2.1 The crane should have a substantial/durable safe working load chart which:
(a) has clearly legible characters in English and Chinese and figures displayed
inside the crane (Regulation 11(1) of the LALGR); and
(b) is easily visible to the crane operator.

7.3 Instruction manuals and log book

7.3.1 Manufacturer’s manuals containing all pertinent data relating to operation and
maintenance for the specific model of crane in use must be provided with each
machine.

7.3.2 The language used in the majority of the workforce in Hong Kong, especially
among the shop-floor operations and the middle supervisory staff, is Chinese. It
is essential that all the written instructions, the documents and literatures given
by the crane manufacturers in relation to the safe use of the cranes (such as the
load charts), if not in Chinese, be translated into Chinese so that the operatives
have no difficulty in understanding them. Suitable arrangement should also
be made to enhance communication in workplace where people would use
languages other than Chinese or English.

7.3.3 If the equipment is not supplied with a log book then one should be started,
maintained and kept at the workplace for the regular, periodic recording of
all inspections, tests, repairs, maintenance, and hours of service related to the
machine. All entries should be dated and signed by the operator, repairman and
supervisor. The crane owner should ensure that the log book remains with the
crane and is kept up-to-date throughout the working life of the crane (see section
14 below).

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8. Operation Features of Tower Cranes

8.1 Automatic safe load indicator

8.1.1 All types of crane, except those with a maximum safe working load of 1 tonne
or less or those operate with a grab or by electromagnetic means, shall be fitted
with an automatic safe load indicator (Regulation 7B of the LALGR). The
automatic safe load indicator is usually used in association with overloading cut-
out devices which would be further discussed in sub-section 8.8 below. The
specification of automatic safe load indicator should conform to British Standard
7262 or equivalent standards.

8.2 Brakes

8.2.1 Every brake on the tower crane must be fail-safe type in that the brake will be
automatically applied wherever there is a loss of power (pneumatic, hydraulic or
electric). These brakes must not be released unless the power has been restored
or they are released deliberately.

8.2.2 The application of the brake must have a direct effect on the hoisting drum and
as such no belts or chains are allowed between the brake and the drum.

8.2.3 In hydraulic drives using a positive direct system of holding the load, the
hoisting brake may be used only as an emergency fail-safe device and its
application and torque must be as recommended by the manufacturer.

8.2.4 The brake on the slewing drive must be capable of preventing the jib of tower
crane from drifting under a wind pressure up to the maximum operating wind
pressure specified by the manufacturers. The brake should be so designed that it
can be released so that the jib shall weather vane with the wind when its velocity
is greater than that specified by the manufacturer.

8.3 Cabins for operators

8.3.1 The operating cabin attached to the structure of the tower crane should meet the
following requirements:
(a) be designed and constructed to protect the operator and the controls from the
weather (Regulation 10(1) of the LALGR);
(b) be provided with a roof of adequate strength to protect the operator from
falling objects;
(c) be properly ventilated by artificial means where necessary;
(d) vision panels in the floor of cabins or at the operator's feet, in such a position
that they may have to withstand all or part of the operator's weight, are
guarded, for example by a mesh of adequate strength to carry a person's
weight over the area concerned;

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(e) window panels in walls of cabins are protected against being knocked
outwards to prevent persons from falling through the aperture;
(f) every cabin of which the top part may be opened, should be protected to
prevent fall of person;
(g) be fitted with a lock to prevent unauthorized entry when the unit is left
unattended, unless the control unit can be separately locked;
(h) be constructed to give the operator a clear and unrestricted view that will
enable him to use the crane safely (Regulation 10(1) of the LALGR);
(i) have a safe access to and egress from the cabin. The means of access to the
cabin should ensure that there is no danger of the operator being trapped in
the cabin. Where access is through the floor, there must be sufficient room
in the cabin for the operator to stand beside the trap door and raise it without
difficulty, and the trap door must be of adequate size;
(j) have guardrails provided on all outside and access platforms (see Regulation
38B(1) of the CSSR, Regulation 24 of the FIUR). If they are too narrow for
guardrails, hand holds, steps or safety lines should be provided at convenient
points above the platform;
(k) have hand holds and steps to facilitate entrance to and exit from the cabin;
(l) have fire extinguishers of appropriate types and quantities in the cabin; and
(m) have suitable indicators at or near the cabin.

8.4 Operating controls

8.4.1 All controls must be located within easy reach of the operator and allow him
ample room for operation. The controls should be of dead man switches in that
they return to neutral automatically when released. The main power switch
should be lockable and located within easy reach of the operator. Each control
must be clearly labelled and marked to show the motion and the direction of
movement that it controls. Where practicable, controls should be arranged so
that accidental displacement is prevented and inadvertent pressure on them does
not cause the crane to be set into motion.

8.5 Jib stops

8.5.1 Luffing jib tower cranes, like mobile cranes, require jib stops which will
effectively prevent the jib from toppling or being pulled backwards over the
tower (see Fig. 8).

8.5.2 The jib stop should be the type that combines the functions of disengaging the
jib hoist motor and physically stopping the jib as it reaches a predetermined
maximum angle.

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8.6 Guards and protective structures

8.6.1 All exposed moving parts of a tower crane such as gears, pulleys, belts, chains,
shafts, flywheels, etc. which might constitute a hazard under normal operating
conditions shall be effectively guarded (see Regulation 5 of the GOMR).

8.7 Electrical supply and equipment

8.7.1 Tower cranes connected to electrical supply are fixed installations and shall
comply with the Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 406) and the Electricity (Wiring)
Regulations (Cap. 406E) (hereafter referred as the EWR). The technical
guidelines provided in the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring)
Regulations issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department should
also be followed. Moreover, the relevant requirements under the Factories and
Industrial Undertakings (Electricity) Regulations (Cap. 59W) and other relevant
Regulations on electrical safety shall also be observed.

8.7.2 The installation of electrical supply for tower crane should conform to the Code
of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations issued by the Electrical and
Mechanical Services Department. The following points should be noted :

(a) Earthing & Lightning protection

electrically-operated cranes should have an effective earth connection. In
the case of rail-mounted cranes, at least one rail track should be electrically
bonded at each joint and the track should be effectively earthed. Crane
wheels should not be used for earthing the crane. Besides, all tower
cranes should be completely and correctly earthed for lightning protection.
Reference should be made to the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring)
Regulations issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department,
BS EN 13135-1, BS EN 62305, BS 7430 or other equivalent national /
international standards;
(b) Supply voltage and supply phase sequence
before connecting the tower crane to an electrical supply, it should be
ensured that the supply voltage characteristics and supply phase sequence
correspond with those of the crane equipment. Special attention should
be paid to voltage variation (drop) when electrical power is supplied by
temporary generator sets at construction sites;
(c) Connections
when practicable, the electrical supply to a travelling tower crane should be
provided through a cable winding drum or a properly installed, insulated
and protected collector system. If a trailing cable is used, it should be
mechanically protected, such as with armour wire, an incorporate and
earthing core, and should be suitably terminated at each end. Care should

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be taken to ensure that the trailing cable is not damaged during operational
movement or when the crane is travelling; and
(d) Isolation
in addition to any isolator within the crane capable of cutting off the
electrical supply to crane motions, there should be an isolator remote
from the crane which can be used to cut off the supply to the crane itself.
Regulations/procedures should also be available to prevent inadvertent
reclosure or mal-operation of the isolator at the remote end.

8.7.3 All electrical components must be well bonded to the cranes' structure which
must in turn be connected to an effective earth. All electrical equipment and
connectors must be weatherproof. Strain-relief connectors should be used
at the connection of the power cable to the crane tower connection in order
to protect the power cable. Power cables which run inside the crane tower
must be securely fastened at regular intervals. The earthing connections of the
electrical installations of tower crane should conform to the Code of Practice
for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations issued by the Electrical and Mechanical
Services Department.

8.8 Limiting switches

8.8.1 All tower cranes of every configuration must be equipped with built-in safety
devices which operate automatically to prevent damage to the machine should
the operator make an error. The most important of these are the limit switches
which would eliminate the possibility of crane overload or over-travel of crane
components (see Fig. 9).

8.8.2 Every tower crane must have -

(a) a hook height limit switch that causes the hoist drum to stop whenever the
load hook reaches a predetermined maximum height position;
(b) luffing jib limit switches that cause the jib hoist drum to stop whenever
the jib is raised to too high an angle or lowered to too low an angle. These
switches should be adjusted by raising up and lowering down slowly (without
load) and allowing the jib to come in contact with the striker switches;
(c) a trolley travel limit switch that causes trolley motion to stop whenever the
trolley reaches a predetermined maximum out or maximum in position;
(d) an overload limit switch that causes the hoist drum to stop whenever the
load being hoisted exceeds the maximum rated load for any radius or jib
angle or whenever the over-turning moment exceeds the rated load moment.
The overload limit switch should be installed in association with the
automatic safe load indicator; and
(e) travel limit switches for rail mounted cranes that apply the carriage brake
whenever the crane comes near the ends of the tracks.

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Fig. 8 Jib (Boom) stop

Fig. 9 Tower crane limit switches

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9. Siting of Tower Cranes

9.1 General

9.1.1 In siting a tower crane for operation, particular attention should be paid to two
factors: the crane standing or support conditions and the presence of proximity
hazards. Consideration should also be given to the projection of the tower crane
beyond the site boundary to avoid potential hazards to the public including those
in private areas and public areas.

9.1.2 It is essential that the maximum pressures or forces which can be exerted by the
tower crane on the ground or on other supports and tie frames are known. Tower
crane manufacturers should provide this information or give a method and data
from which it can be calculated.

9.1.3 Particular care should be taken in the assessment of wind headings, both
operational and out-of-service. High winds exert considerable forces on tower
cranes which are often sited in the vicinity of tall buildings. In such conditions,
a generous allowance should be made for local wind pressures of high intensity
due to funnelling (or venturi) and gust effects. Particular care should be taken in
the design and details of all supporting structures, connections and anchorages.

9.2 Crane standing or supporting conditions

9.2.1 The ground or foundations, temporary supporting structures, grillages, packings,

connections and anchorages for tower cranes should be of sufficient strength to
withstand the maximum in-service and out-of-service loadings without failure.
In particular, suitable preparation of ground surface for fixed tower cranes
should be carried out for safety reason.

9.2.2 It is essential that the ground on which a tower crane stands has adequate bearing
capacity. In assessing this, account should be taken of seasonal variations
in ground conditions. The bearing capacity must not be exceeded under the
most severe static and dynamic crane loading conditions. In a similar fashion,
consideration must be given to the structural strength and stability whenever the
unit is supported on or by any structure.

9.2.3 The siting of the crane, the assessment of maximum loads and the design of
foundations, supporting structures and ancillary details should be certified by a
safety supervision personnel. Particular care should be taken to ensure that the
imposed loadings are not underestimated. Careful assessment of probable wind
pressures should also be made, taking into account the degree of exposure of

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the site and any other special factors. For construction site, when the installation
of the tower crane may have effect on the permanent structure by way of
overstressing or overloading, the safety supervision personnel should submit the
certified plan, design information and/or method statement of the works to the
project engineer and certify the completion of work.

9.2.4 For the design of wind load on structure of tower cranes, reference can be made
to the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong issued by the Buildings
Department. As most of the tower cranes used in Hong Kong are imported
from European countries where the design wind loads are much lower than
that of Hong Kong, the wind loadings on the structure of tower cranes should
be checked in accordance with the above mentioned Code of Practice. Crane
manufacturer's data relating to the dead weight of the tower crane and the
dynamic forces, which can occur during operation of the crane, should always
be obtained for determining the most critical effects of the wind loading, taking
into consideration of the above-mentioned Code of Practice.

9.2.5 Although tower crane manufacturer's instructions may specify maximum wind
speed for service conditions, they cannot give recommendations for survival
wind conditions on a particular site. On tall cranes, wind forces will have
a considerable influence on the strength requirements of the supports and
foundation. Due care is necessary in the fitting-up and fixing of any holding-
down devices, rail clamps, temporary connections or anchorages.

9.2.6 The construction of the connections between the tower crane and the building
works affected should comply with the Building (Construction) Regulations
(Cap. 123B). The design should be certified by a safety supervision personnel.
The structure and all crane anchorages should be sufficiently strong to carry
the maximum loads that the crane may exert upon them under the most severe
static and dynamic crane loading conditions. This is particularly important
where the use of a climbing crane is contemplated. For construction site, when
the installation of the tower crane may have effect on the permanent structure
by way of overstressing or overloading, the safety supervision personnel should
submit the certified plan, design information and/or method statement to the
project engineer and certify the completion of work.

9.2.7 Underground hazards

Cranes should not be sited where there is danger to their foundations, supporting
structures from cellar whether filled or not, temporary shoring, excavations,
embankments, buried pipes and mains, and etc. With these underground
hazards, it may be necessary to provide additional special foundations to ensure
the safety of the crane.

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9.2.8 Tidal or flood water areas

In areas subject to tidal or seasonal flooding, or where there is a high water table,
the crane may require deep foundations or special ground consolidation. In such
situations, all machinery and electrical equipment should be positioned where
it is not in danger from any rise in the water level. Unless adequate precautions
are taken, the crane should not be sited where there is danger to foundations, rail
tracks or temporary access roads from surface water drainage, flooding or rises
in the water level.

9.2.9 Gradients
The bases for static tower cranes and the tracks for rail-mounted tower cranes
should be firm and level. Truck and crawler-mounted tower cranes have a very
limited ability to travel and operate on sloping ground. In all cases where the
instruction handbook for the crane does not specify the limit of slope which the
crane can traverse, the manufacturer should be consulted.

9.3 Proximity hazards

9.3.1 Tower cranes should be sited where there is clear space available for erection,
operating and dismantling. Consideration should be given to the proximity hazards
such as overhead electric lines and conductors, power cables, radio frequency
wave transmitting tower, nearby structure and building, hoists, stacked materials,
other construction works, the flight paths of airfields, the route of aerial ropeway
and other cranes, public access areas including highways and railways, etc.

9.3.2 Tower cranes must be located so that there is at least 3m (10 feet) clearance
between the end of boom and the nearest obstacle or building. In some
situations, aircraft warning lights should be fitted to the top of tower cranes. As
far as possible, tower cranes should be sited to avoid loads being handled over
occupied premises, highways, the route of aerial ropeway, other construction
works, or railways. The danger to or from underground services, such as gas
mains or electric cables, should not be overlooked. Precautions should be taken
to ensure that the tower crane standing is clear of any underground services.
Where this is not possible, the services should be adequately protected to
safeguard against any damage.

9.3.3 Overhead electric lines and cables

9.3.3.1 Fatal accidents may occur when a crane comes into contact with or near to
overhead electric lines or cables. Where a tower crane has a chance of coming
close to any live overhead electric lines or cables, the crane owner should liaise
with owners of the overhead lines, e.g. the power companies, to work out the

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exact safety requirements and devise the safe work plans. Reference should be
made to the Electricity Supply Lines (Protection) Regulation (Cap. 406H) and
the Code of Practice on Working near Electricity Supply Lines issued by the
Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

9.3.3.2 All overhead lines or other electric apparatus should be treated as live unless
declared dead and safe by the relevant authority.

9.3.3.3 Any person working in the vicinity of any electricity supply line should
be properly trained and instructed to ensure that they are capable of taking
necessary safety measures and safe system of work.

9.3.3.4 When working parallel to overhead power cables, a string of warning markers
should be erected at a safe distance from the cables. The string should be
supported on posts at convenient intervals and each post should carry the
warning notice stating:
‘DANGER! OVERHEAD ELECTRIC LINES!’
「危險！架空電纜！」

9.3.3.5 A crane should not be operated in the vicinity of overhead electric lines unless
guided by an experienced slinger or signaller. The crane operator should always
try to keep the overhead electric lines in view when maneuvering the crane. It is
worthwhile to note the difficulty to estimate the heights or distances of the lines
by normal methods of observation.

9.3.4 Anti-collision

9.3.4.1 When two or more tower cranes are installed within a limited area, their action
zones may overlap and give rise to danger of collision. The collision may be
resulted from the coming into direct contact between the structural members
of cranes, the rotating jib of a crane installed at lower position striking onto the
hoisting rope of a higher crane or its suspended load. The hoisting rope of a
crane may entangle with certain part(s) of another crane. The best solution is to
eliminate any overlapping or interference zones as far as possible from both the
standpoints of safety and smooth lifting operation.

9.3.4.2 The risk of collision should be properly considered during the establishment
of the safe system of work (see section 3 above). Particular attention should
be paid to the effects on movement amplitudes of the jibs and their suspended
loads. The movement would be affected by the rotating speeds of the jibs and
their respective braking actions, inertia of the pedant loads, under hook heights,
sizes of the loads being handled and the wind situations.

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9.3.4.3 Where two or more cranes are positioned in the same or different workplaces in
such a way that there is a risk of collision or rope entanglement, the following
safety measures, among other things, should be taken:
(a) a responsible person should be appointed for the overall control of the lifting
operations in a workplace;
(b) for lifting operations performed in overlapping zone between different
workplaces, good communication and co-ordination between the different
workplaces’ responsible persons on the lifting operations should be
maintained;
(c) as far as practicable, every crane operator should have a clear view of the
whole of the overlapping zone(s) of the tower crane he operates;
(d) an effective communicating system solely used by these cranes should
be provided for the lifting operations. The system should be free from
interference and should allow direct communication between the two crane
operators;
(e) weather vane operation should remain possible and adequate arrangement
should be made so that weather vane operation will not give rise to any
collision or physical contact between any two cranes;
(f) suitable working space limiters complying with BS EN 12077-2 or
equivalent should be provided to ensure only one tower crane remaining
in the overlapping zone at any time. Alternatively, a suitable anti-collision
system which can allow more than one tower crane in the overlapping zone
without causing any collision should be provided. Responsible persons
of different workplaces should coordinate for the installation of suitable
working space limiters or anti-collision systems for the cranes operating in
the overlapping zones between the workplaces;
(g) every working space limiter or anti-collision system provided in item (f)
above should be properly installed and maintained;
(h) if anti-collision system is adopted, the manufacturer’s instruction manual
containing all the information regarding the correct installation, calibration,
testing, inspection, maintenance and use of the anti-collision system should
be followed;
(i) no tower crane should be put into use unless the set up of the working
space limiter(s) or anti-collision system, as appropriate, has been properly
tested. Further test is also required on every occasion where there is any
modification, adjustment or alteration of crane/workplace parameters such
as alteration of crane height, etc;
(j) the record of testing should be kept in the workplace office and be available
for inspection; and

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(k) where it is necessary to temporarily suspend the safety functions of the

working space limiters or anti-collision system, e.g. for set up, adjustments,
testing, maintenance or repair, all the crane movements in the overlapping
zone should be under direct supervision of the responsible person who is
in direct contact with all operators and personnel associated with the crane
operations in a workplace. If the suspension of the safety functions affects
other workplaces’ crane operations, co-ordination on the lifting operations in
the overlapping zone should be made between the responsible persons of the
workplaces to avoid collision.

9.3.4.4 Every working space limiter provided under sub-paragraph 9.3.4.3 (f) above
should be so designed that:
(a) its specification is compatible with the design and safe use of the tower crane.
Its operation should not have any adverse effect on the crane. It is therefore
important that prior consent or approval should be sought, where practicable,
from the crane manufacturer before the safety device is installed;
(b) it is directly actuated mechanically or electro-mechanically;
(c) after it has been triggered, put the tower crane in a safe state and prohibit its
movement in the dangerous direction;
(d) it shall fail to a safe condition when a failure or malfunction occurs;
(e) any switch for temporarily suspension of its safety functions (e.g. for set up,
adjustments, maintenance and repair) is housed in a separate switch box.
The switch box should be kept locked during normal crane operation with
the key being kept by the responsible person;
(f) it is capable of withstanding the shock loads and vibrations created during
the normal usage, erection, rope changing, dismantling, transportation and
maintenance; and
(g) its designated safety functions can be verified during inspection or testing.

9.3.4.5 The anti-collision system provided under sub-paragraph 9.3.4.3 (f) above should
be so designed that:
(a) its specification is compatible with the design and safe use of the tower
crane. Its operation should not have any adverse effect on the crane. It is
therefore important that prior consent or approval should be sought from the
crane manufacturer before the safety device is installed;
(b) it is capable of tracking accurately the locations of all the cranes within the
overlapping zone under the system including their jib movements, trolley
movements and hook movements;
(c) it is capable of intervening automatically on the crane mechanisms for
ensuring no collision will take place by slowing down the speed of or

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 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes

stopping crane movement, as appropriate, whenever there is a risk of

collision;
(d) after the triggering of a motion limiter, to put the tower crane and its
movement in a safe state;
(e) a continuous audible and visual signal is given out at each operator’s cabin
to remind the operator to slow down a crane movement when approaching a
zone with a risk of collision;
(f) internal audible and visual warnings are given out at each operator’s cabin
when the anti-collision system fails or is over-ridden. The warning signals
should be distinctive and continuous;
(g) at least one flashing-light warning signal actuated when the anti-collision
system fails or is over-ridden, distinguishable under all conditions such as
bright sunlight and conspicuous to other crane operators and personnel in
the surroundings, is provided outside each operator’s cabin;
(h) each type of warning signals provided is distinguishable from all other
warning signals of the tower crane;
(i) it provides display panels positioned in such a manner that every crane
operator had a clear view of the indications and warnings given on the
panel. The display panel should not interfere with the operator’s view of
the load and its surroundings. Glare-free illumination displays should be
provided and the information given should be clearly distinguishable under
all conditions such as bright sunlight;
(j) every limiter is directly actuated mechanically or electro-mechanically;
(k) it shall fail to a safe condition when a failure or malfunction occurs;
(l) any switches for temporarily suspension of its safety functions (e.g. for set
up, adjustments, maintenance and repair) is housed in a separate switch box.
The switch box should be kept locked during normal crane operation with
the key being kept by the responsible person;
(m) it is capable of withstanding the shock loads and vibrations created during
the normal usage, erection, rope changing, dismantling, transportation and
maintenance;
(n) every component likely to be affected by the weather is weatherproof; and
(o) its designated safety functions can be verified during inspection or testing.

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